Alkaline-activated cements synthesized from spent diatomaceous earth and different industrial sludge ashes

Abstract

This study evaluates the technological properties of alkali-activated cements (AACs) produced from spent diatomaceous earth (SDE), a by-product of beer filtration, combined with 20 wt.% of industrial sludge ashes. The ashes used include brewery sludge ash (BSA), oil industry sludge ash (OSA), pulp–paper sludge ash (PSA), and aluminum anodizing sludge ash (AASA). Activation was carried out using a 1:1 mixture of sodium silicate and sodium hydroxide, with curing at room temperature for 7 and 28 days. Microstructural analysis was performed using X-ray diffractometer (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS). The results show that the chemical composition of the sludge ashes significantly influences the mechanical performance of AACs. Calcium-rich wastes improved compressive strength, while the presence of SO3 and P2O5 reduced it due to the formation of expansive phases or secondary reactions. The best results were achieved with BSA-SDE cements, which reached compressive and flexural strengths of 30.0 and 6.5 MPa, respectively.